Mexico vs. Canada | Gold Cup Match Preview

Two struggling teams meet in Seattle on Thursday, with Canada and Mexico each still looking for their first points of the 2013 Gold Cup.

After a shocking 1-0 defeat to Martinique on Sunday, Canada have to somehow pick up results against either Mexico or Panama if they want to keep their chances of advancing alive. Meanwhile, after their surprising loss to Panama, Mexico come up against a bare-bones Canadian team that has seen several players leave the squad for a number of reasons.

HISTORY

The last time Canada played Mexico in a Gold Cup, it was one of the few iconic moments in the Canadian men’s game. It was in the 2000 Gold Cup that Canada forced extra time with a 1-1 draw at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego before Richard Hastings’ golden goal (the only goal he’d ever score for Canada) stunned the Mexicans. Canada went onto win that Gold Cup, but little else since. Since then the countries have met four times, with Mexico winning twice and the teams playing to two draws.

CANADA OUTLOOK

As a result of that opening-game loss, the odds are against the Canucks and the situation is grim. Interim coach Colin Miller must somehow rally a squad that’s already lost two attacking players in Randy Edwini-Bonsu and Simeon Jackson due to injury and club responsibilities, while veteran Will Johnson is still battling the illness that limited his contributions in Sunday’s game.

Though not quite as bleak as Canada, El Tri come into this game in a pretty desperate situation with head coach José Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre’s tenuous grasp on his job growing weaker with each disappointing result for the team. While World Cup qualifying is the priority, a draw or a loss to a rebuilding Canadian program will only further exacerbate his situation.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Canada – Marcus Haber

There aren’t many options in the Canadian attack, and they’re going to need Haber to be clinical with the few opportunities they do create. If the Canadians are to grab a goal, it will likely come from a set piece, and with Haber (right, in white) standing at least several inches over the Mexican defenders, he’ll have to use his height to full advantage and bury the first chance he gets.

Blessed with an abundance of speed, Jiménez has the ability to break down a Canadian backline that had issues dealing with the Martinique attack. The Club América man is trying to carve himself out more time in the Mexican squad and he’ll have to like his chances to impress against Canada.